Medial Meniscus Tear Symptoms

Knee injuries are common among athletes and elderly people. Most of the knee injuries are found to affect the menisci, which are C-shaped cartilages that are found in the knee joint. These menisci play a vital role in smooth functioning of the knees and the legs. These cartilages are located in the knee joint, where the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia) meet. They act as a cushion in between the ends of these bones and also help in the even distribution of the body weight on the tibia or shin bone. Menisci also have the function of shock absorption. Menisci are of two types - medial and lateral. While the lateral meniscus is located on the outer side of the knee joint, the medial meniscus is located on the inner side. As compared to the lateral meniscus, the medial one is more prone to injuries. Medial meniscus tear is one such type of knee injury.

Symptoms of Medial Meniscus Tear

Medial meniscus is less mobile, as compared to the lateral meniscus and so, the former is more prone to injuries. The main causes for medial meniscus tear are traumatic accidents or activities and degenerative process related to aging. The symptoms can be mild to severe, according to the severity of the condition. Medial meniscus tear symptoms may vary slightly with the size, type and location of the tear. In some cases, other common knee injuries may also occur along with this condition.

Medial meniscus tear can be mild, moderate or severe. In case of mild tears, the affected may not be aware of the tear, as he experiences very slight pain only (sometimes with mild swelling). This pain may disappear within one or two weeks, but, may return at a later stage. Moderate symptoms include pain that can be either on the side or the center of the knee. The affected person may be able to move his knees, but, the knee will develop swelling that increases within two to three days, making knee movements difficult. The symptoms may disappear within two weeks, but, may keep on recurring. In case of large tears, medial meniscus may get displaced or torn into pieces, causing pain and swelling.

• The most common among the symptoms are knee pain and swelling. The pain may worsen with activities, involving knee movements.
• Knee pain will be more concentrated on the back side or the center of the medial meniscus and swelling usually develops within two days of the injury. Pain that worsens with maximum knee flexion is one of the posterior horn medial meniscus tear symptoms.
• If the tear is large with displaced or fully torn medial meniscus, you may hear clicking noise, during knee movements. The person may also feel stiffness and locking or catching of the knee.
• The affected person may also develop tenderness and may be unable to move the knees. The knee may also lose its ability to support the body weight, due to medial meniscus injury.
• The person may not be able to bend his knees or do any activities that involve squatting or rotating of the knee.

Diagnosis of this condition is usually done with X-rays, MRIs and careful physical examination. There are specific tests to find out the type and severity of these tears. Medial meniscus tear treatment is decided on the basis of various factors like severity and type of the tear, age, and activity levels of the patient. The conventional treatment includes application of ice packs, rest, compression and keeping the knees elevated for a stipulated period. The patient may also be administered with pain killers and joint healing supplements. Even some special knee exercises for torn meniscus and massage may be started, as the pain subsides. Ultrasound and laser treatment may also prove effective for treating meniscus tear. In some cases, medial meniscus tear surgery may also be required. Surgical treatment involves removing the torn part of the medial meniscus or repairing or transplanting the tear. However, the treatment method is decided by the doctor, after assessing the condition of the patient. The recovery time may also vary from one patient to another. So, if you experience any of the above said medial meniscus tear symptoms, consult your doctor and get it treated.